Polly sat in wicker chair, watching her nephew and May Carleton exchange wedding vows. It was a rare sight to see a smile on her nephew's face, but today, it could not be concealed. For once in his life, he was truly happy. Pol considered herself to be a fairly decent judge of character, and she determined that May Carleton was not the worst Tommy could do. In addition, she had money, a stable career, was independent, and seemed to genuinely care for her nephew. She also didn't look too shabby in a white dress that was very slimming. Seeing her made Polly envious, remembering what it was once like to be young and in love on her own wedding day.
She watched as Finn approached the couple, bearing the rings that they slipped carefully onto each other's fingers, and watched him walk over to his brothers. Arthur tousled his hair, like he used to do when Finn was a little scamp. Finn to his credit, resisted scowling at his brother on this special day and stood next to John.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," Ada said in a hushed voice, lowering herself into a seat beside her and motioning for Karl to take the seat next to her.
"It's alright. We'll talk later," Polly mouthed, waving at the boy.
It was a beautiful day on May Carleton's property, with white tents, green grass, small but decorative tables, and expensive caterers and staff of all kinds at the ready to perform their designated tasks. John and Arthur stood by, looking proud that their brother had finally gotten hitched. Michael was there as well and it made Polly proud to see her son with his cousins.
A couple that must have been the bride's parents stood by, not looking entirely pleased, but hiding it for their daughter's sake. The bride and groom took each other's hands and kissed, people applauded, and they all moved on to the food, cake, dancing, and other festivities.
"Don't take all the cakes, Karl," Ada was saying as Karl attempted to make off with half a dozen pastries in a napkin. Polly noticed that Ada wasn't as sharp with him and seemed unusually happy. Something was afoot.
"Ada," she said, drawing Ada aside. "You're glowing."
Ada laughed, her face suffused with happiness, which was highly unusual.
"I met someone," she said to Polly's surprise. "I've known him for a few weeks and Pol, I haven't felt this way about anyone since Freddie."
Her face became absolutely radiant as she spoke about this man and Polly was intrigued. She scanned the crowds of people, trying to pick out Ada's mystery man.
"Is he here? she asked, turning back to Ada as no one caught her eye.
"He's in the hospital," Ada explained "He was attacked in the streets."
"How dreadful. I hope he's alright."
"He's doing much better. Karl and I went to see him before we came, which was why we were running a little late. Karl's already quite fond of him."
"Well what does he do for a living?" He's not another communist is he?"
Please God, not another Freddie.
"Actually, you'd approve. He's a baker."
A jolt went through Polly as Ada said that, and a flash-back to that dimly lit medium's room with that bizarre man who claimed he was a baker arose in the front of her eyes.
No.. That would be too much of a coincidence.
"What is his name?" she asked slowly.
"Alfie." Ada said, her voice thick with affection. "Alfie Solomons." She began to tell the story of how the two met, but Polly was not listening. She was filled with dread.
Alfie Solomons. THE Alfie Solomons. Tommy's arch-nemesis, Alfie Solomons."
"Pol are you alright? You look like you're going to be sick," Ada said.
Polly forced a weak smile.
"I'm alright. It's this heat."
Not today. Not on Tommy's wedding day. He's happy for once. I will not ruin his day.
"Oh, why didn't you say anything? Let's get you under this tent. Ada took her arm and led her to a chair in the shadows. "I'll get you something to drink."
Polly was relieved when she left to procure the beverage. She sank down into a chair.
"What's the matter, Pol?" Finn asked as he slunk by.
"Oh, off with you!" she snapped, waving him away with both her hands. Finn shrugged, used to this exclamation of his aunt's, and Polly turned her thoughts inward.
His name's Alfie. Alfie Solomons.
She would rather have Ada with another revolutionary over a rival mobster.
A Jewish mobster.
Polly shuddered and almost made the sign of the cross. Another thought occurred to her.
Was it all planned?
What were the odds of her running into Alfie Solomons in a dingy shop and….
He was talking about Ada. The woman he was referring to was Ada.
She would have to tell Tommy. She sensed premeditation, manipulation, and cold-blooded calculation.
After the wedding. After the wedding. After the wedding.
She repeated it over and over in her mind, a mantra, a chant, a protective spell to ward off evil. Storm clouds were gathering in her mind.
Ada returned with the drink and Polly thanked her, exchanging her genuine happiness for fake conversation. She had to cope somehow now that her peace of mind was shattered. What was worse was that Ada was clearly unaware of the mess she had landed herself and Karl into.
A very big mess.
But that was what good old Aunt Pol was for, to clean up everyone else's messes before they got themselves killed. Her work never ceased.